Buying a House

So as some of you may know, I just recently bought a house.  The whole process of buying a house is very cumbersome and stressful.

Here are some tips:

1.Financially in order
 So if you would have asked me at the beginning of my house hunt if I were financially ready to buy a house I would have said of course.  Now if you ask me, I would say yes but not with such "that's an obvious answer" attitude in my throat.  When I say you need to be financially in order, I'm not just saying have a bunch of money in the bank, but that's necessary as well.  The one thing that I forgot about when buying a house was how "in ya business" the mortgage company was going to be during the process.  They want to know who transferred that $1.50 in your checking account 2 days ago and why you move this money from your savings every month.  So when I say be financially in order, I mean to have an explanation for all of your financials, if questioned.  This includes accounting for any co-owners on your accounts and transfers in and out of your account.
 
2. Budget Strictly yet leniently
When I first started looking for a house, I was adamant in saying that I was not going to spend over a certain amount.  I was strict on what my price point would be and how much I was willing to pay.  I quickly found out that everything that I wanted was in a different price range.  I then had to have a high end of what I was willing to pay and a optimal low end that I was ok with as well.  So definitely do some research on what you want and how much that stuff usually costs.

3.Don't do it alone
Make sure that you have a support system.  There were so many houses that I had mentally "moved in" in my head, and it was so taxing to have to mentally "move out" when I lost the houses.  I literally would walk into these houses and envision where I wanted all of my stuff and how I would decorate.  I even talked to one of the homeowners that was selling the house about what she thought about my plans and why she decorated the way she did.  However,I think that's also part of the process as well.  Why would you want to buy a house that you can't envision yourself living in one day.  The thing that made it hard was when I fell in love with a house no longer available it made it harder for me to love a new house unless it showed me something better than the last and that so often came with an increase in price.


4.Stay Strong
At this time, it is definitely a sellers market.  Houses were literally "flying off the shelves."  It was so hard to get a contract on a house because literally a house would go on the market and the next day it would have 6 offers.  So I definitely would say go with your gut.  If you love a house and want it to be yours be aggressive or you may lost it.  It took me three houses to learn that.  If you are even so wowed by a house from merely the pictures I would say still put an offer down, or it may not be there later.

5.Stay Organized
Do your research, and find out what is needed to buy a house.  Definitely have a priority list of what you must have in your new home.  If you don't keep everything in order you can look up and find yourself lost or confused as to why you aren't finding the house for you. 

Comment below with any questions or comments that you guys have in terms of buying a house.

Fierce Fit Foodie Feature:: Meet Fierce Foodie Victoria

Hey Beauties!!!


We're excited to announce our very first Fierce Fit Foodie Feature!!!

FFF: Introduce Yourself!

V: Hello everyone! My name is Victoria, but you can call me Vic or Deli. I am so excited to be featured by Fierce.Fit.Foodie! I'm a country girl living in the DMV. I'm on a journey to expanding my creative space, and I hope that I can inspire you in some way.



Fiereness!!


FFF: How would you describe your sense of style?

V: Casual, but edgy chic


FFF: Discuss how you put together an outfit

V: I usually pick out one piece first like shoes or a top then work around that.


FFF: What are your 3 favorite items of clothing?

V: bags, shoes, dresses


FFF: What are your favorite places to shop?

V: H&M, Zara and Target


FFF: Are there any style trends or pieces you are excited to try?

V: I'm loving the fringe trend and I'm also excited to mix my new sneakers with a couple of dressy outfits. Sporty chic.


Hair Care


FFF: How would you describe your hair?

V: Diverse and versatile. It's very thick and curly with blonde highlights. I change my hair so much it's never the same style for too long.


FFF: What has been your biggest hair struggle? How did you overcome it?

V: My biggest hair struggle was the growth stage after the big chop. I hated doing my own hair so I really had to discipline myself to twist my hair, condition it, try different styles, etc. I was used to going to the salon so it was a big change for me.  But I saved a lot of money lol.  I tried new products, watched youtube videos, read natural hair blogs, and came up with own hair regimen.


FFF: Describe your styling/care routine

V: Lately I have been getting roller sets and wearing my hair straight but when I do wear my hair curly I normally do a wash and go or a twist out.


FFF: What is your go to hairstyle?

V: When I don't feel like doing my hair I'll put it in a bun or if im wearing it curly i'll just do a wash and go.


FFF: What are your hair goals?

V: Lately I've just been focused on length retention. So I get my hair trimmed every few months and I make sure I don't use too much heat.


FFF: What are your favorite products currently?

V: Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner and Carol's Daughter Monoi Oil



Beauty

FFF: What is your beauty routine?

V: Most days I don't wear makeup to work. I like to give my skin a break. I usually only wear makeup when I go out. I put on blush, eyeliner, mascara, and lipstick.


FFF: Who inspires your looks?

V: I get inspiration from everywhere. I really enjoy the Tiny Closet blog (www.thetinycloset.com), she wears minimal makeup and her skin is simply gorgeous. I love the natural look.


FFF: What item can't you live without?

V: I have to have lipstick! Yes I'm one of those girls that will wear lipstick to the grocery store. I think I get that from my Aunt Rosie. She won't let me take a picture of her until she "paints her lips." Every girl should have a tube of lipstick in her purse at all times. You never know who you might run into. ;) 


FFF: What are your favorite products currently?

V: Too Faced Shadow Insurance Anti-Crease Eye Shadow Primer: My eyeliner usually smudges onto my eylid creases. This primer has really helped with that.

MAC Matte No Fax Pas Lipstick. As if I needed another matte Fuschia lipstick...but I just really love this color! And it is a great color for any season.

Biore Warming Anti-Blackhead Cleanser makes my skin feel so clean and refreshed.



Foodie

FFF: How do you classify your food expertise? (chef, restauranteur, foodie, etc)

V: I'm a Foodie-wanna-be chef


FFF: What is your favorite thing to eat?

V: This is a hard question! I can't choose one thing. I love steak and seafood.  My favorite soul food dishes are greens and mac and cheese. You have to try my mac and cheese. It's so good.


FFF: What is your favorite thing to make/create?

V: Sweet potato casserole and broiled lamb chops.



 
FFF: Who/what is your foodspiration?

V: Growing up I loved watching my mom bake and licking the bowl when she was finished. I hope that one day my cakes and pies turn out as good as hers. I don't do a lot of baking but my sweet potato pie is pretty good.


FFF: What is your guilty pleasure food?

V: I love to each chocolate ice cream with sour cream and potato chips. I get a mix of sweet and salty.



Inspiration

FFF: Who do you admire?

V: I admire my friends. They are all amazing! Enterpreneurs, writers, producers, managers...you name it. I admire their courage and resilience.


FFF: What tips do you have for the readers?

V: Be yourself! You are beautiful and unique. Don't be afraid to share who you are with the world.


FFF: How can the readers get in contact with you? (blogs, websites, social media)

V: gloriadean.blogspot.com
IG: @delicate22
twitter: @hawaiiansilky22




Interested in being featured? Click the "Wanna Be Featured?" button on our home page, complete the form and send it to fierceandfitfoodie@gmail.com!